Absent with a paddle

Also a few mountains along the way

I started off writing this newsletter with a really positive attitude, I was going to update every week. Different topics, skills, equipment reviews, destination guides and general ramblings about sea kayaking and related outdoor adventures, were all in the pipeline. Many are partly finished and rest in the drafts section of the website, waiting patiently to be completed.

One of the distractions from writing. Three generations of the Mansell family crossing the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct in North Wales. It is 12 feet wide, the longest aqueduct in the UK and the highest one in the world. A truly memorable couple of hours, in May this year, which Nico really enjoyed.

A report delivered in 1856 by Reverend W. J. Kennedy who was the Inspector of Schools for Lancashire and the Isle of Man in Britain contained the following quote:

“if you want any business done for you, you should ask a busy man to do it”

The Nanaimo News Bulletin, in June 2005 attributed the modified, well know phrase to comedian Lucille Ball:

“If you want something done ask a busy person to do it,”

Well I have been busy but have failed to live up to the expectations of the phrase, for which I can only apologise. To quote a much used school report sentence, “Must do better.”

Paddling wise the most significant development, so far in 2024, was 6 weeks in Baja, with 3 different groups from the Jersey Canoe Club. It was a privilege, to spend time in the company of so many skilled and personable paddlers. Watching the barely perceptible change of the seasons, movements in the sea bird populations and the marine wildlife. Mobula Rays increasing in numbers whilst the humpback whales head towards their summer feeding grounds to the north.

In the 12 years that I have been visiting the Sea of Cortez, it has changed in many ways but remains one of the special places for sea kayaking. The waters are busier, with both recreational sailors and professional fishermen, but still relatively quiet when compared to many other paddling destinations. Beaches are no longer deserted but they remain quiet, with isolation being found through the use sea kayaks as the means of exploration.

Paddling around Isla Danzante, a special place, and a highlight of Baja paddling.

High SPF factor sun screen is still required for protection from the desert sun, rising higher in the sky on a daily basis, it can have a major impact on the human body, particularly when combined with the high albedo of the suns surface. The real change in the weather appears to be the increasing frequency of strong winds, generally from the north, assisting our journey south but strong enough to prevent crossings to some of the offshore islands.

Possibly the most amazing sight we saw was whilst camped in a beautiful location called Arroyo Verde. This light appeared from behind the mountains and I have to admit slightly worried us, as we had absolutely no idea what it was although thoughts of “Deep Impact” did enter our mind.

The most spectacular scene of the trip, Elon Musks’s Starlink Rocket, appearing over the Baja mountains following its launch in California. With no outside connection it was 24 hours before we found out what it was.

I have also been able to spend a few days in the mountains of Scotland and Wales this year with one of the most memorable days in the mountains close to Blair Atholl, where we came across this young man.

Joel Davey playing his bagpipes on the summit of Carn Liath, one of the munros which constitute Beinn a’Ghlo. 17 year old Joel Davey is going to play his bagpipes on the summit of all 282 munros, starting on the 1st June, to raise money for the British Heart Foundation.

Read more about Joel’s challenge and consider making a donation to encourage this young man on his amazing journey.

A brief overview of the distractions of the last few months, the plan is to get back on track in the next few weeks with more regular updates, thanks for your patience. I have continued to gain new subscribers this year, so welcome and hopefully you will want to continue reading the posts.